Over the last few weeks as I pondered goals and resolutions for the new year, the reality is no matter how great our intentions — many of our goals will never see completion. This time last year rather than a list of resolutions, I had a neatly crafted list of projects I would like to complete in 2013. Many of them became realities, but some really big and important ones never even surfaced. My thoughts have become, “perhaps creating smaller inspired plans of action each month will allow me to feel like more progress is being accomplished.” Then last week, I came upon this article: “Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, Try This”
The premise here is setting a new goal with each lunar cycle. That may seem a little “woo woo” to a few of you. Before you toss the idea, though, consider the possibilities. Every four weeks the moon cycles from new moon to new moon. (Did you know January 1, 2014 is a new moon, and there are 13 of them per year.) My maternity reflexology education introduced the concept of the woman’s cycle patterning itself with the lunar cycles — before electric lighting, that is, and not so true today. This idea was a fascinating one to me. (Wish I could share a photo of the quilt I created depicting this as an assignment for the class. Oops! I forgot to take a picture, and my teacher did not have a camera.) Here are some things I learned (quite simplified) through that lesson, and how I believe they may apply to how we, both men and women, may create and set goals for ourselves. God placed that moon in the heavens, and he controls its phases. Considering the possibilities, when 2014 draws to a close, we could well have triumphed in 13 new goals met. That’s pretty impressive!
The New Moon: In all things — not just moon phases — newness is ripe with possibilities. When we are able to begin again we often find creative/procreative energies and ideas. Old things are purged and we are moving on. There is involvement, and we are generally excited and ready to pursue what we’ve imagined.
The Full Moon (2 weeks later): We’ve been energized for the task, able to create, nurture, and weave the plan into reality. There is contentment and satisfaction with the progress we make.
The Waning Moon (resting, settling and slowing down as we move toward another new moon): During this time we can look back introspectively and evaluate our progress. We can be receptive to vision, insight and intuitions that may lead us into that next new and creative moment.
Let me encourage you to keep a journal of your progress. What a testimony you will have.
Whether my goals will fit precisely into this plan is an uncertainty at the moment, but I believe that by focusing on the smaller bites more positive change will be visible in my life. Next week I’ll share about the raw and juicing eating plan (perhaps one week per month) my husband and I are implementing as our first goal for the year. We hope to eliminate some annoying health challenges.
Graphic: CanStockPhoto.com/elenamarchesini
